Mercer Island alum is thriving in the collegiate soccer world

Mercer Island grad Alex Chung is in the starting lineup as a freshman for the Bellevue Bulldogs men's college soccer team.

The transition from high school soccer to the world of collegiate soccer has gone smoothly for Bellevue Bulldogs freshman midfielder Alex Chung.

Chung, who graduated from Mercer Island School in 2015, is a starting midfielder for the Bulldogs men’s soccer program this fall. Chung said he has started all five games and has played the majority of the entire 90-minute contest in all of those matchups.

The Mercer Island grad believes the difference between high school and college soccer is immense.

“It is very competitive. There is a lot more of a high tempo and the game is fast paced,” Chung said. “There is a lot of bigger and faster athletes. I have indulged myself in a more competitive environment. It is great.”

The Bulldogs have had a rocky start to the 2016 season and have an overall record of just 0-4-1. Despite the early season adversity, Chung expects things to get better in a hurry for his squad.

“We definitely want to win the NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) championship. We’re going to take it one game at a time but our overall goal is to win the championship,” he said.

Chung is a huge fan of Bulldogs’ head soccer coach David O’Neill’s approach to the game.

“Coach is so enthused and is so happy to be part of this team. He gets everyone riled up for every aspect of practice and the games. He really gets us hyped. He is an amazing coach,” Chung said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Chung a few questions about his life away from the soccer field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Alex Chung: Step Brothers. It is hilarious. Will Ferrell is just a class act. It is just too funny.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from soccer?

AC: I like to go golfing with friends.

BR: What is your favorite eatery in Mercer Island?

AC: Bennett’s (Bistro). My friends parents own it. It is really good.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

AC: I probably send 50 texts. I’m more into Snapchat.

BR: What are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

AC: I like a lot of hip-hop/rap music.

BR: Who is your pick to win the World Series this October?

AC: The Seattle Mariners.

BR: What is the last book you’ve read?

AC: Of Mice and Men.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

AC: Lionel Messi. He is my favorite soccer player in the world. He is my idol. I would love to eat dinner with him.